Dr Viviane Gravey, a senior lecturer in European politics at Queen’s University Belfast, will chair a panel including Diane Ruddock, who has recently retired from the National Trust, and John McCallister, a current member of the Ulster Farmers’ Union.

The independent review comes amidst growing public concern for the environment and the challenges that are currently being faced, such as the blue/green algae blooms in Lough Neagh and other waterways.

Agriculture, environment and rural affairs minister Andrew Muir said: “I am committed to strengthening environmental governance in Northern Ireland and ensuring that we have the right structures in place to protect our environment and hold individuals and organisations to account for environmental breaches.

“However, it is really important that I make clear that the many calls for a different environmental governance regime and indeed my own desire to see one, are absolutely no reflection of the dedication and commitment I see every day in the staff of NIEA.

“These are public servants who continue to work tirelessly to protect and enhance our natural environment, whilst regulating the activities that can adversely affect it.”

He continued: “I have asked the panel to review our current environmental governance and bring forward improvement proposals, which may include proposals to establish an Independent Environmental Protection Agency, including the potential shape, policy and legal responsibility of such an organisation.

“The panel will lead a call for evidence early in the New Year that will give stakeholders an opportunity to provide their input and they will use the evidence gathered to make independent recommendations. The arrangements for this call for evidence and stakeholder engagement will be confirmed by the panel in due course.”

The panel will provide their report next summer.

The outcomes and recommendations will be considered by the minister and any proposed changes will need to be agreed by the Executive.